TAMPA, Fla. – Joseph Malinowsk, known as “Lieutenant Dan” after a viral video showed him refusing to evacuate his boat ahead of Hurricane Milton, has a criminal history that includes more than a dozen arrests. The 54-year-old, who gained attention for defying law enforcement’s advice to leave the Tampa area during the storm, is currently facing an array of charges, including attempted arson.
Malinowsk’s recent legal troubles involve a February incident where he allegedly tried to set a woman on fire. According to court documents, Malinowsk got into an argument with the woman while she was sitting on a concrete bench, then poured gasoline on the bench and ignited it.
NEW: Internet sensation "Lieutenant Dan" has been arrested over a dozen times and is accused of trying to set a woman on fire.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 10, 2024
54-year-old Joseph Malinowsk went viral for refusing to leave his boat in the Tampa area ahead of Hurricane Milton.
There is an open criminal case over… pic. /oGTIFf4AWX
He also reportedly splashed water on the woman and attempted to ignite her with the remaining gasoline.
In addition to the arson charge, Malinowsk’s arrest record includes offenses such as battery on a law enforcement officer, drug possession, and attempted breaking and entering. There is also an ongoing investigation regarding the ownership of his boat, which has become a focal point of his public persona.
Despite his criminal history, a GoFundMe campaign describing Malinowsk as “the kindest soul” who is “always ready to lend a hand” has raised tens of thousands of dollars. The fundraiser emerged after his viral moment, where he was seen defying evacuation orders and insisting on riding out the hurricane on his vessel.
Law enforcement officials ultimately were unable to convince Malinowsk to abandon the boat before Hurricane Milton made landfall, but he weathered the storm anyway.
